YOUR LETTERS
Newcastle Herald
Tuesday March 29, 2011
The people come firstALREADY those failed ALP politicians in our area are starting to point the finger of blame for their loss at Macquarie Street and the party machine.It reinforces in my mind just how out of touch they are with their electorate.Those factors did have some effect - but mediocrity and incompetence were significant deciding factors as well. Otherwise, how could it be that Sonia Hornery is the "last (wo)man standing" in the Lower Hunter?She worked for her electorate, not the string-pullers, and her people recognised that.Think again, ALP boys and girls. The buck stops with you - no one else - for your showing at this election.Darrell StoneBelmontANOTHER year, another election, and what have we learned - beside the obvious lesson that MPs ignore the voters at their own peril?We have learnt also that standing by your party's principles, representing your constituents and fighting for what is right will more than likely get you re-elected - as evidenced by the return of Wallsend's Sonia Hornery, who was a shining light among the drab mob that purported to be our voice.There is a message there for the party machine and for those elected representatives such as Jodi McKay who were mere nodding dogs, acceding to the wishes of the Sussex Street party machine, rather than representing those they were elected to represent.Unfortunately for Ms McKay, it is a lesson that is unlikely to be heeded, as she may not retain her seat.Perhaps the Liberals will learn from that lesson instead. I hope so.Nigel DaleLambtonTHE Hunter has had, in recent times, four big issues for the local community: electricity privatisation, the Cessnock jail privatisation, the Hydro aluminium smelter electricity contract and the issues at Wallsend hospital.On Saturday the voters of the Hunter rewarded the ALP representatives of Wallsend and Cessnock, who spoke up against the ALP machine on these issues and were looked at askance by their party for doing so.The members for Newcastle, Charlestown, Swansea and Maitland followed the party line and can now join the Centrelink line.Lifelong ALP voters did what would a few years ago have been seen as unthinkable: instead of lodging a protest vote with an independent, they voted Liberal.If the ALP keeps being driven by Sussex Street in Sydney, then the Coalition will enjoy many long years in power.Congratulations to all the new members of Parliament for the Hunter. Represent your constituents and you will continue to receive their support. Follow the party line at your own peril.Jim MackenzieMerewetherGreat to have you,come back againI HAD the pleasure of attending the closing ceremony of the Ulysses Club annual general meeting on behalf of the City of Newcastle.I extended appreciation to the national executive and local organisers for giving Newcastle the opportunity to host such a magnificent event.National president Dennis Paulin expressed his thanks to the City of Newcastle and indicated the visit was very successful and up there with the best event the group had ever held.I expressed to the closing ceremony that it certainly was not foolish for Newcastle to hold this event. It was complimentary to our tourism and economic development strategy and their presence contributed more than $5 million to the local economy.Aside from the economic benefit, it was also an opportunity to showcase Newcastle to Ulysses Club members from all over the country and to some international visitors.I indicated to the ceremony that Newcastle is a Ulysses-friendly town and they are welcome back at all times.Many members indicated to me that their rides throughout Newcastle and the region were a highlight and they were impressed with what they saw.I thank council officers involved in assisting the Ulysses Club to make their meeting a huge success.Cr Mike JacksonDeputy lord mayorFletcherAnother meetingon the KnightsI NOTE that Knights coach Rick Stone urged supporters to attend yesterday's meeting with the Tinkler Group and to ask questions so they can make an informed decision. I could not agree more.On the point of making an informed decision, I urge members to attend also the information meeting at Newcastle Panthers today at 7.30pm to hear Andrew Poole explain the Patrons' Trust option.Ultimately, it may not be your preference but it is a funding option that will maintain community ownership.It's certainly worth attending to ensure an informed vote.Brian McDermottWarabrookSceptics stuck intheir time warpANTHONY Cox's argument about the supposed failings of renewable energy ("Experience shows green jobs are a myth" Herald 28/3) contains flaws and omissions that are designed to promote his well-known views.For instance, nuclear power is also an expensive way to generate power and requires a price on carbon to make it more economically viable.Also, he fails to tell us that the first commercial solar power station was commissioned only three years ago.By comparison, the first coal-fired power station was built 129 years ago and the first nuclear power station 57 years ago.Over that time they have both advanced out of sight.What Mr Cox is trying to suggest is that renewable energy technology will not progress the same way coal and nuclear power - and everything else in this world - have.I believe the key to this progress is a correctly targeted carbon tax.John HayesMayfield EastNothing is goingto save us nowDO all the poor souls turning off lights and so forth for Earth Hour, trying to hold back the tide of Mother Nature, honestly believe that humans will forgo their wealth, power and possessions?Is this the same humankind that just months ago almost brought the world to its knees and ruined thousands of lives with a greedy grab for easy money at our expense - while our protectors and watchdogs turned a blind eye?Come on down to the real world, folks. If there are not millions of dollars in quick profits for the controlling string-pullers of this world, it just ain't gonna happen.Allan EarlThorntonToo special to ignoreSUE Boyce ("MP wants special need schools shut " Herald H1 26/3) apparently has little idea of the implications of the suggestion she has put forward. I have 25 years' experience at a special school where severely handicapped students are treated with respect and care by the specially trained staff. Because of their high level of needs, the staff has to be always alert and diligent in their care of the students.Teachers in state schools have enough to contend with already with the students who have special needs and are integrated into their classes. There will always be a need for special schools that can give the extra care for severely handicapped students, just as there will always be a need for nursing homes for the elderly.My suggestion for Sue Boyce is that she take six months' leave from Parliament and work as a teacher's aide at a special school, before coming up with such a ridiculous suggestion again.Diana Taaffe, Belmont northThis week the letter judged the best, most succinct and interesting will win a special Herald letter-writing pen. The winner will be announced on Saturday on this page.
© 2011 Newcastle Herald
